Instant analysis of Bucs' 25-10 preseason loss vs. Jaguars

After getting out to an impressive 2-0 start, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers limped to the preseason finish line with back-to-back home losses.

Thursday night’s finale went from a solid 10-3 lead at the end of the first half, to surrendering three touchdowns in the third quarter on the way to a 25-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But despite getting another notch in the loss column, there was plenty to like about the parts of Tampa Bay’s performance that might actually matter when the games count.

If you’re an offensive player for the Bucs and your last name is Wilson, chances are you had a fantastic night, and might have locked up a roster spot. Wide receiver Bobo Wilson caught five passes for 51 yards and added a 21-yard run on an end-around, while undrafted rookie Shaun Wilson led the team with 45 rushing yards on eight carries, adding 24 yards on a pair of receptions.

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Wilson’s performance might force the Bucs to keep six receivers just so they can avoid letting go of him or rookie fifth-rounder Justin Watson (who caught another touchdown pass Thursday night), while Wilson is taking full advantage of Charles Sims’ injury and departure, likely securing the final running back spot on the 53-man list.

Third-string quarterback Ryan Griffin, who will serve as Ryan Fitzpatrick’s backup during Jameis Winston’s three-game suspension, had another strong outing with 151 yards and a touchdown, completing 17 of his 27 attempts.

The second half exposed Tampa Bay’s inferior depth, as the Jaguars pulled away by dominating on both sides of the ball. Long drives, fourth-down conversions and even a defensive scoop-and-score touchdown helped the Jags take control in the third quarter.

Quite possibly the biggest disappointment of the entire preseason has been rookie second-round pick Ronald Jones II, who added yet another dud of a performance to his forgettable introduction to NFL exhibition action. The former USC star managed just four yards on 10 carries, struggling to find any running room, and failing to make much happen on his own. It’s still far too early to panic on Jones’ long-term potential, but the early returns sure haven’t been a blast for Bucs fans to watch.

Much like the previous week against the Detroit Lions, the Bucs looked best when the had players on the field who are actually going to make the roster. That should give Tampa Bay fans hope that these second-half meltdowns won’t happen when the starters are on the field full-time.